How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Use a Manual Typewriter

Manual typewriters have plenty of vintage charm, but there are practical reasons for using them, too. Typewriters can create neat type on oddly-shaped envelopes or papers, and they can be fun to tinker with. If you’ve never used a manual typewriter before, there are a few things you need to know before you can begin.

EditSteps

EditSetting the Margins

Slide the margin set on the right-hand side of the typewriter. Before you start typing, you’ll want to make sure that your margins are set correctly. The right-hand margin set is usually located next to the larger carriage release lever at the top right of the typewriter. The margin sets usually look like metal brackets at the very top of the typewriter. They may have a button you have to press before you can move them.^[1]
Move the margin set on the carriage until it is located at your desired right margin. Some typewriters have a ruler built in for measuring an exact margin. If yours doesn’t, you may want to use a tape measure or a ruler to get accurate margins. Standard margins for a typewriter are all the way around the paper, although some people prefer on the sides.^[2]
Repeat the process for the left-hand side. Once you get your right margin, set the left-hand margins to match by sliding the left margin set along the carriage. The margins should remain set until the next time you press the margin-set levers.^[3]

EditTyping on the Typewriter

Flip up the paper guide and place a piece of paper behind the cylinder. When you’re ready to type, you’ll need to put paper in your typewriter. You can use regular copy paper in your typewriter, although some writers prefer a heavier stock. Look for the paper lock (or paper guide), a bar located above the keyboard. Flip it up and slide your paper behind the roller, or cylinder.^[4]
Turn either cylinder knob until the paper comes up under the guide, then secure it. Once the paper appears, keep rolling until the carriage is located where you want to start typing. Remember that for most papers, your top margin should be . When the paper is where you want it to be, push the paper lock back into place.^[5]
Adjust the paper if necessary by pressing the paper release lever. If you need to make a small adjustment to the alignment of your paper, pull the paper lock forward again and press the paper release lever. Fix the paper, then push back the paper lock and the paper release lever.^[6]
Push the carriage to the right as far as it will go to begin typing. To start typing, use the carriage-return lever to push the carriage all the way to the right. When you have finished typing your first line, you should hear a bell.
Return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever. This will automatically drop you down to a new line. The line space lever is generally on the left side of the carriage.^[7]

EditChanging the Ribbon

Change the ribbon when the type begins to fade. The ribbon is what transfers the ink to the paper when you strike a key. If you notice that your typing is starting to fade, it’s probably time to change the ribbon.
Press the shift-lock key and move the color control lever to the red dot. For most typewriters, engaging the shift-lock key, shifting the color control lever, then depressing 2 central keys at the same time will release the type bars and raise the ribbon carrier. If this doesn’t work for yours, you may need to consult your user manual.^[8]
- If your typewriter didn’t come with a user manual, look online to see if you can find a copy. There are websites designed by typewriter enthusiasts containing manuals for almost every typewriter model that has been produced.
Pay careful attention to how the ribbon is threaded through the carrier. Once your ribbon carrier is raised, look carefully to see how the ribbon is threaded so you’ll be able to put it back in the same way. If you need to, draw a diagram to help you remember.^[9]
Lift the spools straight up or press the release lever for a cartridge. Most vintage typewriters use ribbon spools. If this is the case, you will lift the spools straight up to remove the old ribbon. Some later models, however, used cartridges. If this is the case, you should see a cartridge release lever. Press this, then remove the old cartridge and discard it.^[10]
Slide the new ribbon spools into place or snap in the new cartridge. Once you’ve discarded the old ribbon, carefully place the new ribbon in the ribbon carrier exactly how the old one sat. If you’re using spools, the ribbon should wind from the back of the spools. A cartridge should easily snap into place.^[11]
Remove slack from the ribbon. Once your ribbon is correctly installed, you’ll re-engage the type bars to hold it in place. Release the shift-lock key, then carefully turn either spool to take up any slack in the ribbon.^[12]

EditMaintaining Your Typewriter

Clean the machine each time you use it. Use a small brush or a can of air duster to remove any dust and other debris that might build up on your typewriter. Dirt can get down into the type mechanisms, clogging them up and causing your keys to stick.^[13]
Cover your typewriter when it’s not in use. Covering your typewriter will extend its life by protecting it from dust that’s in the air. If you don’t have a cover, try laying a pillowcase or a small blanket across your typewriter when you’re not using it.^[14]
Oil your typewriter occasionally. You don’t need to use much oil on your typewriter, but a little oil can help keep the parts functioning. How often you oil your typewriter depends on how often you use it — if you use it every day, oil it about once a week. Use the end of a pin or paper clip to apply a lightweight oil (such as gun oil) to the carriage rails.^[15]